What “Handicap 0:8” Means in Rugby Betting
In rugby, Handicap 0:8 means one team (usually the weaker team) is given an 8-point head start before the match begins.
The goal of handicap betting is to level the playing field between two teams when one side is much stronger than the other.
Format Breakdown
- Team A (Stronger team): Starts the game with –8 points (they must win by more than 8 to “cover the handicap”).
- Team B (Weaker team): Starts the game with +8 points (they can lose by up to 7 points and still “win” the handicap bet).
Example Match
Match:
New Zealand All Blacks vs Italy
Handicap 0:8 (All Blacks –8, Italy +8)
| Actual Match Score | Handicap Result | Winning Bet |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand 35 – 20 Italy | All Blacks (35 – 20 = +15) → 15 – 8 = +7 | All Blacks win |
| New Zealand 28 – 23 Italy | All Blacks win by 5 → 5 – 8 = –3 | Italy wins on handicap |
| New Zealand 24 – 16 Italy | All Blacks win by 8 → 8 – 8 = 0 (Draw) | ➖ Bet is a Push (stake refunded) |
| New Zealand 20 – 22 Italy | Italy win outright | Italy wins on handicap |
How the Handicap Works
Let’s apply the handicap before the game starts:
- If you bet on New Zealand –8, they must win by 9 points or more for your bet to win.
- If you bet on Italy +8, they can:
- Win the match
- Lose by 7 or fewer points
- Lose by exactly 8 points ➖ (refund)
Betting Tips for Handicap 0:8 in Rugby
- Analyze Team Strengths
- If the stronger team (e.g., New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland) is in great form and facing a weaker side, –8may be easily covered.
- If it’s a tighter matchup, consider the +8 side.
- Look at Recent Margins
- Rugby often has large score gaps, but in evenly matched games, 8 points is quite a lot.
- Check Conditions
- Wet or windy weather = fewer tries, closer scores → Back the +8 (underdog).
- Dry conditions = more attacking play → Back the –8 (favourite).
- Home Advantage
- Home teams tend to perform better; if the favourite is at home, –8 is more likely to land.
- Watch Line Movement
- If the handicap moves from 0:8 to 0:10, it means money is coming for the favourite, and you might get value on the underdog.
Example Betting Scenario
Match: England vs Wales
Handicap: England –8 | Wales +8
- You bet ₦10,000 on England –8 at odds 1.90
- Final score: England 28 – 17 Wales (England win by 11)
- England covered the –8 handicap
You win ₦19,000 (₦9,000 profit)
If England had won 24 – 20 (by 4 points),
You lose, because they didn’t cover the handicap.
Summary Table
| Bet Type | Team Must… | Example Result | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team A –8 | Win by 9+ points | Win 30–20 | Win |
| Team A –8 | Win by 8 points exactly | Win 28–20 | ➖ Push (Refund) |
| Team A –8 | Win by <8 points or lose | Win 27–22 | Lose |
| Team B +8 | Lose by ≤7 points or win | Lose 27–22 | Win |
Would you like me to explain how to combine handicap betting with totals (Over/Under) in rugby? That’s a popular strategy to improve odds.